The Missing Form of Success

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

Understanding the American Dream: A Closer Look at Jennifer Hochschild's "Facing Up to the American Dream"

The concept of the American Dream has been a cornerstone of American society, representing the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. In her book "Facing Up to the American Dream," Jennifer Hochschild explores the various forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream. However, in this discussion, we will examine which of the following forms of success is not included in Hochschild's work.

The American Dream: A Complex Concept

The American Dream is a multifaceted concept that has evolved over time. It encompasses not only economic success but also social mobility, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. Hochschild's book delves into the various forms of success that are often linked to the American Dream, including:

Absolute success: This refers to achieving a specific goal or outcome, such as becoming a millionaire or owning a successful business.
Relative success: This form of success is measured in comparison to others, such as being better off than one's parents or achieving a higher social status.
Competitive success: This involves achieving success through competition, such as winning a prize or being the best in one's field.

The Missing Form of Success

While Hochschild's book explores the concepts of absolute, relative, and competitive success, it does not explicitly discuss equal success. Equal success refers to achieving a level of success that is comparable to others, without necessarily being better or worse off. This form of success is often associated with social equality and the idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Why Equal Success is Not Included

There are several reasons why equal success may not be included in Hochschild's work. One possible explanation is that equal success is often seen as a byproduct of other forms of success, such as absolute or relative success. For example, achieving absolute success may lead to equal success, as one's wealth and status become comparable to others. However, equal success is not necessarily a direct goal or outcome of the American Dream.

In conclusion, while Jennifer Hochschild's book "Facing Up to the American Dream" explores the various forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream, it does not include equal success as one of the forms of success. This omission may be due to the fact that equal success is often seen as a byproduct of other forms of success, rather than a direct goal or outcome of the American Dream.

Hochschild, J. L. (1995). Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation. Princeton University Press.

What is the American Dream, and how has it evolved over time?
What are the different forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream?
Why is equal success not included in Hochschild's work?
What are the implications of equal success being excluded from the American Dream?

Hochschild, J. L. (1995). Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation. Princeton University Press.
Ladd, E. C. (1996). The American Dream: An Essay on Some Main Themes. Stanford University Press.
Hochschild, J. L. (2016). American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reconsidering the Soul of America. Princeton University Press.
Q&A: Understanding the American Dream and Jennifer Hochschild's "Facing Up to the American Dream"

In our previous article, we explored the concept of the American Dream and the various forms of success that are often associated with it. We also examined Jennifer Hochschild's book "Facing Up to the American Dream" and how it relates to the different forms of success. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the topic and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the American Dream and Hochschild's work.

Q: What is the American Dream, and how has it evolved over time?

A: The American Dream is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time. It represents the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. The American Dream has been shaped by various factors, including the country's history, culture, and values. It has also been influenced by social and economic changes, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of the middle class.

Q: What are the different forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream?

A: The different forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream include:

Absolute success: Achieving a specific goal or outcome, such as becoming a millionaire or owning a successful business.
Relative success: Being better off than one's parents or achieving a higher social status.
Competitive success: Achieving success through competition, such as winning a prize or being the best in one's field.

Q: Why is equal success not included in Hochschild's work?

A: Equal success is not explicitly discussed in Hochschild's book because it is often seen as a byproduct of other forms of success, such as absolute or relative success. For example, achieving absolute success may lead to equal success, as one's wealth and status become comparable to others.

Q: What are the implications of equal success being excluded from the American Dream?

A: The exclusion of equal success from the American Dream has significant implications for social equality and the idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. It suggests that the American Dream is more focused on achieving success through competition and individual effort, rather than promoting social equality and fairness.

Q: How does Hochschild's work relate to the concept of social mobility?

A: Hochschild's work explores the concept of social mobility and how it relates to the American Dream. She argues that social mobility is a key aspect of the American Dream, as it allows individuals to move up the social ladder and achieve greater success and prosperity.

Q: What are some of the criticisms of the American Dream?

A: Some of the criticisms of the American Dream include:

Unrealistic expectations: The American Dream can create unrealistic expectations about what is possible, leading to disappointment and disillusionment.
Inequality: The American Dream can perpetuate inequality, as those who are already successful and wealthy are more likely to achieve greater success and prosperity.
Competition: The American Dream can create a culture of competition, where individuals are pitted against each other in a struggle for success and prosperity.

Q: How can we promote social equality and fairness in the context of the American Dream?

A: Promoting social equality and fairness in the context of the American Dream requires a shift in focus from individual success and competition to collective well-being and social justice. This can involve policies and programs that promote equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as a greater emphasis on social mobility and upward mobility.

In conclusion, the American Dream is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time. Jennifer Hochschild's book "Facing Up to the American Dream" explores the various forms of success that are often associated with the American Dream, but excludes equal success. By understanding the different forms of success and the implications of equal success being excluded from the American Dream, we can promote social equality and fairness in the context of the American Dream.